AN- The most unintelligent idea that has ever been spawned from the depths of my brain. So, uh, I don't own Trigun. Takes place about a week after the end of the Trigun (anime, anyways). Love and peace, I guess. (Also- I know the title sucks.) I also don't own Titanic. And I made up the 'Birds in July' play, so yeah.
Loving Vash
Vash walked down the street, trailing behind Meryl. It had been a week since he defeated Knives and had brought him home. Milly instantly took a liking to Knives, but Meryl was skeptical.
-Flashback-
Vash's body emerged from the deadly desert, carrying a lone body which was slung over his shoulder. Meryl stood outside their cottage, staring with eyes dotted with tears at the sight that filled her eyes.
"Meryl?" Milly's voice rang through Meryl's head. After Vash had left to fight Knives, Meryl had asked Milly to begin calling her Meryl instead of 'Sempai' all the time. And frankly, Meryl liked it much better. She had also stopped calling Vash 'Vash-san'. She felt that he was more a friend now than before.
"Milly! Look! It's Vash!" Milly looked up from the mud and dirt she previously was focused on.
"Meryl! You're right, it is Vash!" Milly jumped out of the hole and ran towards Meryl. She placed a dirty, gloved hand on Meryl's shoulder. "You said you'd tell him everything," she reminded, winking. "Tell him. Go to him now."
Meryl nodded and smiled up at Milly. She didn't care how dopey she may have looked. Right now, all that mattered was telling Vash how she felt. Her white-clad figure darted towards the beaming Vash.
"Oh, Vash!" Meryl yelled happily. Her arms spread apart as soon as she reached Vash. The Stampede's reaction was not surprising. He laid Knives on the hard, heated desert ground, and followed Meryl's action. He wrapped his arms around Meryl and hugged her as tightly as he could.
"Meryl... I came back. Just like I promised." Vash kissed the top of her head. It was apparent to him that Meryl didn't care how filthy he was. He didn't either. Vash had realized after the Monev the Gale incident that he cared for Meryl, but it wasn't until the Fifth Moon happening that he knew he loved her. He still hadn't revealed his feelings, but he planned to.
Meryl and Vash parted after what seemed so short. Meryl's grey eyes drifted towards the motionless body upon the dusty ground. "Vash... is that Knives?"
Vash nodded. "I saved him, just like Rem said. I took care of Knives."
Meryl kneeled down in order to get a better view of Vash's brother. He looked almost identical to Vash, except for lighter hair, thinner middle, more muscular build, and no mole by the eye. And he didn't have an earring, either. "Is he... dead?"
"No, he's passed out. He should wake up within a couple hours." Vash lifted Knives up once again and headed for the cottage. "Hey, Milly!" Vash called out to the insurance girl as he walked. He then came to a stop. His body turned around, facing Meryl. "I missed you. Come help me with Knives, will you?"
Meryl's face blushed a color that may have just very well matched the color of Vash's coat. "Um, sure." Meryl hurried along behind Vash. Milly winked in Meryl's direction.
A few hours had passed before Knives awoke. Meryl and Vash had been watching him when he came to. Not much had been said between the two, but there was unmentioned high tension in the room.
Knives's eyes slowly opened. "Ugh... Vash?" You can only imagine how surprised Knives was when he saw not only his brother hovering over him, but his brother's female best friend.
"Who the hell is she?!" Knives jumped from his place of slumber. Vash quickly calmed his psychopath brother down by placing his still bleeding hands on his shoulders.
"Knives, this is Meryl. She's my-" He stopped mid-sentence. "My very good friend. Don't hurt her, Knives."
Knives snickered to himself and slumped back down onto the bed. "So, Vash, this is the girl you mentioned on our journey back home."
"Knives- you were awake for that?! I was talking to myself!"
Meryl raised an eyebrow. "What did he say about me, Knives?"
"Oh, he spoke of a woman named Meryl Stryfe very fondly. He went into deep detail about how sexy she looked when she was angry, and how much he loved the way she moved about-"
"Heh, Knives, don't you think you should continue to rest? I mean, you've had a rough day, heh." Vash instantly threw a pillow on top of Knives's head. His muffled screams of, "GET THIS THE HELL OFF OF ME!" could not be heard by the two. Eventually, Knives gave up and drifted back into slumber.
-End Flashback-
Meryl glanced behind her. "Vash? Keep up, buddy," Meryl called. Vash was in a state of dizzyness recently. He constantly was trying to plot out that way he would execute his love for Meryl.
-Dreamy Phase-
"Oh Meryl, my love! You mean so much to me! My love for you is like a little bird flying across the desert with no boundaries!"
-End Dreamy Phase-
"...Nah." Vash hurried up beside the gleeful Meryl. He patted her head softly. "What's gotten you so cheerful lately?"
Meryl threw her arms up in the air, pointing a finger towards the sky. "Oh nothing... just, feeling very happy. I mean- I hope you don't mind me saying so, but I'm actually very happy at your return." She smiled in a way that Vash had rarely seen on her. The only other time he'd seen that face was when he had hugged her before he left to face Knives. Because- well- Vash had to be honest, Meryl normally acted like she had no interest in him. But he was certain that he could make her fall for him.
"That's good," Vash replied, "it's nice when you're happy." He then did something that could've risked his physical state- he wrapped his arm around her waist. He was willing to live life and take chances.
It was amazing- Meryl didn't seem to mind the gesture at all. In fact, to Vash's surprise, Meryl leaned her head onto his shoulder- to the best of her ability due to major height difference.
"So Vash- what do you want for dinner?" Meryl questioned. "Pizza? Chicken? Or maybe your favorite- donuts?"
Vash perked up. "Really? Donuts? For dinner?"
"Well, yeah," Meryl said. "I mean- it's been exactly one week since your return. Why don't we celebrate?"
"Yeah!" Vash hummed happily, his arm still positioned around Meryl. "I think that sounds good."
Vash, Meryl, and Milly all finished their meals- without Knives. He had been sent to another home- for, let's say, mental folks. Vash had no interest in talking about it either.
Milly closed her eyes, smiling. "Well, I'm off to bed. G'night Meryl and Vash!" She trotted away, knowing that if she left the two alone, they might just confess their feelings. Milly had decided that she believed Vash felt the same way towards Meryl as she did for him- so she had placed all her cards into getting them together.
Vash's palms were sweating like crazy. He knew that right now was a great chance to tell Meryl about his feelings, and he if he didn't now... she may find someone else.
"Uh, Meryl?" Vash's voice cracked a bit. At that moment, though, he really didn't care. He was certain Meryl wouldn't either. "I... have something to tell you."
Meryl nodded. "Yes, Vash?"
"I... really really like you. I mean- um, a lot and I just want you to know that I hope you feel the same. But if you don't- um, I'll understand 'cause I'm not exactly the most loved person ever and um..." Vash trailed off. His heart pounded faster and faster. "And, I love you."
Meryl's eyes stared back at Vash. "Vash, I-" She cut herself off and walked over to where Vash was seated. She leaned over him, taking one of her hands in his. She put her head against his and kissed him.
"I'm glad you feel the same." Meryl blinked tiredly and yawned. "G'night, Vash." She walked to her room, winking at Vash.
-Next Day-
"Good morning, every one!" Vash's cheerful voice rang through out the small, cramped cottage. "Get up!"
Vash walked to Milly's room, entering and hovering above her sleeping figure. "GET UP!"
Milly jumped up, awake instantly. "Ah... good morning... Vash."
"I made breakfast! Get up! We have a big day planned by- who else- me!" Vash danced off to Meryl's room- his favorite stop.
The Humanoid Typhoon creeped towards Meryl, his footsteps quiet and slow. He hunched over Meryl's body, resting his hands on her shoulders. "Oh, Meryl!" He leaned over her and kissed her cheek. "Get up, sweetie! I made... breakfast!"
Meryl's eyes opened slowly, their gaze focusing on Vash. "Good morning?"
"Yep!" Vash's voice squeaked like a young girl's. "Aren't you happy? I made it for you!"
Meryl stumbled out of bed, but instead of finishing her journey alone, Vash scooped her up with his arms. "Can't waste time, Merry!"
"Merry? What?" Meryl ignored this when she was placed in front of one of the most... interesting meals she'd ever seen. The toast was burnt, the eggs looked like milk, and the milk... was green.
"Doesn't it look delicious? Don't you just wanna eat it all in one bite?" His smile and self-accomplished attitude was too sweet for Meryl to just crush, so, she agreed.
"Yes, Vash, dear, it looks... great!" She smiled at him. "You shouldn't have!"
"Oh I know, but man, I couldn't help it! I just wanted to surprise you!" He patted her head. "I'm going to clean up the kitchen- finish your food!"
Vash left the room just as Milly was entering. "Eat your food Milly! Merry will tell you how great it is!" He bustled to the kitchen, humming happily.
"Boy, he sure seems happy," Milly laughed. "What happened?"
"He told me... he loved me!" Meryl squealed.
"What's up with him calling you Merry, though?"
"Aw, it's a nickname I guess. Cute though..."
Milly covered her mouth when she saw the food. "Are you gonna eat that? You didn't reject it?"
"Well, he seemed so proud. I couldn't just turn it down," Meryl sighed. "Let's just eat it."
Meryl swallowed all the food in one bite- while Milly dumped hers in the trash can. It seemed wasteful- but who in their right mind would eat that?
"Milly! Merry! I got the dishes done, ready for our plans today?" Vash hopped back out to the dining room. "Ready? Ready?"
"Yes, Vash," Meryl said calmly. "What is your surprise day plans?"
"All right! Well, first, we will go out to this play called 'Birds in July'. Y'know Meryl! That play you wanted to see?" Vash grinned.
Meryl was touched Vash actually knew she wanted to see that play. Maybe there were more things he knew about her that even she didn't know he knew...
"And that's all," Vash finished.
"Just see a play?" Milly asked. She cocked her head.
"Well, I spent all my money on the tickets for the play."
Meryl waved a hand. "That's OK Vash! I can rent movies too!"
Vash smiled. "All righty! Sounds good, so you'll pay, right? 'Cause, I have no more money." He looked down sadly.
"Of course I will, Vash. Don't worry about it, really." Meryl wandered back to her room, where she grabbed her purse and started digging around, trying to find cash. "Aha! Here, I have about six-teen double-dollars, which will get us about eight movies. OK, Vash?"
Vash and Milly both yelped their approval from the kitchen.
Meryl emerged back from her room. "All right, so when do we leave?"
Vash, without answering, picked Meryl up and slung her over his shoulder. "No time to waste, Meryl, Milly, c'mon!"
-At the Theater-
Vash sat next to Meryl,
who sat next to Milly. Meryl was very pleased with Vash- he actually
was behaving very well through the play. She knew that plays were not
exactly Vash's cup of tea, but it was very sweet of him to be so
kind. It also seemed that he paid a lot of money for the seating.
They had first-row seats in the theater. 'Birds in July' was an
extremely popular play, and it was quite difficult to get good
seats.
At the end of the play, the trio headed to the movie store, where each was to pick out two movies. Vash was allowed to pick the last two movies, as he paid for the play.
When they arrived at the store, each went to another section. Meryl went to drama, Milly went to comedy, and Vash headed to the romance section. As Meryl was rounding the corner, she saw Vash grabbing what seemed to be the most romantic films ever made. In his arms he held 'Titanic'. Vash had once told Meryl he really enjoyed that movie- though he hated the fact that so many people died.
"Oh, Vash. I see that you have 'Titanic'. You really like that movie, huh?" Meryl asked, sneaking up behind Vash.
"Yeah. It's almost too sad for me though." Vash wrapped an arm around Meryl. "Hope you don't mind."
"Nah." Meryl brushed it off. She leaned her head into Vash. "Besides, I love you too."
Vash held Meryl, just standing there in the aisle of the video rental store. They didn't really care if they were supposed to be doing anything. Milly spotted the two- and smiled a very gleeful smile. "Oh, Meryl, Vash. I see you two are getting along!"
"Mm..." Vash mumbled, still holding Meryl. "Yeah. So, should we get going?"
"I have a better idea," Milly said, "why don't I head out for the night? I was planning on going to the hospital to visit the sick kids. Then you two can have a night alone."
"Oh Milly, you don't have to do that," Meryl suggested. She then remembered the events of just moments before, and changed her mind. "Y'know what? If you really want to, you can."
"Yay!" Milly cheered. "I will! And by the way- you two can choose all the movies. I know you both want some romance flicks anyways." Milly winked in Meryl's direction. "Bye!"
"Wait- you're leaving now?" Meryl called. But Milly had already disappeared.
"Well, I guess that leaves just us, huh?" Vash asked. "What do you want to rent?"
-Back At the House-
Vash and Meryl were slumped on the couch, Vash with his arm around Meryl. Meryl's legs had placed themselves over Vash's; not that he minded. On the screen was 'Titanic', Vash's movie of choice.
"Jack! Jack!" The TV's speakers yelled.
"Rose, oh God, Rose!"
Vash leaned his head onto Meryl's, pulling her closer to him. "This is a great movie," he whispered. "It's so-" he stopped, wiping his teary eyes. "Beautiful."
"Yes," Meryl agreed. She then noticed that Vash's feet were bare. Meryl saw that they too were as scarred as the rest of him. Her eyes filled with tears, feeling a bit shocked that she hadn't thought about it earlier. If they got really, really close...
"Meryl?" Vash lifted Meryl's chin with one hand, a concerned look in his eyes. "You OK?"
"Um, yeah. It's... the movie."
Vash kissed the top of her head. "OK, then." He lifted her up onto his lap, and turned her to face him. Then, he made a kissy face towards Meryl. He laid his lips across hers.
"Vash," Meryl started. But she wasn't able to finish.
They fell asleep like that- Vash holding Meryl- who sat on his lap facing him.
-The Next Day-
Meryl awoke groggy and tired, having slept next to Vash. It appeared that they were still on the couch- right where they fell asleep. Vash's arm was looped under Meryl's, holding her against him tightly. She knew that if she tried escaping, he wouldn't let her. So, she remained in the somewhat uncomfortable position.
Vash eventually did wake up, feeling the same as Meryl. He turned her around so that her face would meet his. "G'morning."
"Good morning to you also. How long have you been up?"
"Not too long, about twenty minutes."
"And, you didn't say so earlier?"
"Well, I still thought you were asleep."
Meryl attempted to move from her spot next to Vash, but he made it absolutely impossible. "Vash, could you let me go?"
"Yes," he answered, giving up his grip on Meryl. He let her go, but as she got up, he grasped her hand, letting it go softly as they parted. "What are you going to do?"
"Go to my room, get dressed, and eat. Why?"
"You're not enjoying laying with me?" Vash looked hurt.
"No, I am, but I need to start the day. I can't just lump around like some people," Meryl replied, obviously referring to Vash.
"It's not my fault," Vash mumbled.
"Yes it is," Meryl said. "I can't afford to laze around like you all day. I need to pay rent, pay for food, pay bills- it's not free, y'know," she retorted. "And besides, it wouldn't be fair to Milly if I didn't work. All the money she makes only pays for half of what we use. And a large portion of the money we earn is spent on you."
Vash's eyes watered. "Yeah, but I'm wanted."
"You're not going to get caught. I mean really, you've lived up until now without capture. The least you could do to help Milly and me would be to get a job. Hell- you don't even have to get a job! You could wash dishes more often, straighten the place up- even that would help!" Meryl stormed out of the room, leaving Vash.
"I bet she won't let me sleep with her tonight," Vash pouted to himself, then left to go outside.
As the suns began to set and the moons were rising, Meryl returned to the cottage. She was exhausted from work- it really was a tough job. Milly was still working though. She would be until much later that night. Meryl couldn't help but feel a tad guilty.
She entered the dwelling only to realize that Vash was not home. Her lips curled into a smile. "He's probably drinking," she said to herself. She set down her purse, and checked the phone messages.
"Ms. Meryl Stryfe: this is Chief of the Bernardelli Insurance Society. You have not reported back for several weeks. The society and is very worried."
Meryl paused the message. "Yeah, I bet you are." Then, she continued to listen.
"You and your partner- Milly Thompson- should report back soon. If not- we will send someone out to your area and see if they are able to find out just why it is you have not contacted us. If it is because of complications with Vash the Stampede, we'd be happy to turn him in and get the sixty-billion double-dollars for the society. We are aware of the fact that you have a close relationship with your assignment."
Meryl gasped. "No, no. How'd they find out?"
"Please Meryl, if you value your job- and apartment- we suggest that you curtail all relationships with Vash the Stampede. If you decide to do so- we will let Vash the Stampede go unharmed, but you will not be permitted to see him again. However, if you don't comply- we will be forced to send an agent out to capture and turn in Vash. You do know that once Vash is captured, he will be put to the death penalty, right?"
Meryl's heart sank.
"Well, if you weren't aware of that- you are now. Vash the Stampede- or shall I say, your assignment, is a very dangerous man. You know you shouldn't be in any sort of realtionship with him, don't you? We even notified your parents so that they know their daughter is with an extremely deadly outlaw. Oh- and if you think that you can quit and stay with Vash- you're mistaken. You signed a four-year contract. Bernardelli is ready to make any move to protect business and employees, so please be sure that you end your Vash relationship. Have a great day, Meryl Stryfe- or should I say- Mrs. Vash the Stampede?"
The message ended. Meryl could feel her heart beating faster and faster. She had an important decision to make- stay with Vash and lose her apartment, job, and basically- her whole life and risk getting Vash killed? Or saving her old life- but never seeing Vash again?
-Later That Night-
Meryl lay curled up in a ball, her face buried in her pillows. Her head pounded- she didn't want to put Vash's life in danger- but she also didn't want to never see Vash again. After all, she loved him. She was leaning towards staying with Vash- after all- maybe she could convince Bernardelli to let her quit and be able to stay with Vash.
"Meryl!" Vash's voice came yelping in from the door. Meryl heard footsteps nearing her room. 3, 2, 1...
"Merry! I'm so sorry!" Vash bursted in through the door, picking up Meryl and holding her tightly. "I'm sorry- so sorry! But today- I went out and got you something with money I made from babysitting some kids!"
Vash pulled a small box out of his pocket and held it up to Meryl. "I had to combine all the money I've gotten for the last few months in order to get this for you! It took me forever to decide which one to get- but then I realized that this one was really expensive- so I asked some kids' moms if I could babysit them for a few hours to get paid! And they let me!"
Meryl took the box gently from Vash's hands. She opened the box- inside was a gold locket, the name "Meryl" carved into the front. It was the shape of a heart. She clicked open the locket, revealing a small picture of a grinning Vash on the inside. On the left, it read, "I love you".
"Do you like it?" Vash asked excitedly. "I had to wait a few hours before the jeweler finshed it- so I diminished time by cleaning the shop for him. That's why I'm back a little late."
Meryl stared in happiness at the locket. It was truly beautiful. "I... don't know what to say, especially after this morning..."
"It's OK, Meryl. Don't worry about it. Because I don't want to think about what a bother I am."
"You're not a bother. I mean- look what you did for me?" Meryl wrapped her arms around Vash. "Sleep here tonight."
"Sure," Vash said happily. He instinctively started getting undressed, leaving Meryl to turn away.
Vash was down to his boxers before he realized what he was doing. "Oh, man!" He grabbed at his clothes on the floor. His face was blazing with red.
"Vash- don't worry about it. If you feel insecure about your scars- don't. I don't care."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Well, I still feel uneasy. I'm going to get my pajamas." Vash trotted off, coming back in warm, fuzzy black and grey pajamas.
"Better?" Meryl asked.
"Much." Vash replied. He snuggled into the bed, pushing himself right against Meryl. He kissed her good night, and fell asleep.
-Two Days Later-
Meryl had made up her mind. She was going to remain with Vash, even if it meant endangering his life. As long as she was beside him, Bernardelli wouldn't even be able to lay a finger on the boy. However Meryl still hadn't told Vash. She felt a little guilty, but decided it was best if he didn't retain that knowledge.
"Hey, Meryl!" Vash's familiar voice echoed throughout the town. People occasionally glanced up, but they knew it was Vash, looking for his lover.
"Over here!" Meryl called, waving Vash towards her. His body found its way over to Meryl, where she stood outside a shop.
"Guess what I just bought?" Meryl asked, grinning at Vash.
"DONUTS!" Vash attacked the bag with reckless abandon, swallowing the donuts as fast as his mouth would allow him.
"Well, I was saving those for dinner..." Meryl sighed. She figured Vash would never change. "Well, did you specifically need to tell me anything, Vash?"
"Oh yeah," Vash mumbled in between bites. "Um, your company caa'ed. 'Ey said to ca' 'em back." Vash swallowed. "They sounded kinda angry."
"Oh, gosh," Meryl placed a hand over her mouth. "Vash, I need to call them right now." Meryl hurried off, leaving Vash alone. He looked rather odd eating in the middle of the street by himself.
Meryl reached the cottage- automatically groping blindly around the table for the phone. "Bernardelli..." she mumbled to herself. "Aha!" She grasped the phone, dialing the numbers as fast as she could.
"Hello?" came a thick, Brooklyn accent.
"Yes, um, this is Meryl Stryfe of the Bernardelli Insurance Society. I work in claims and disaster investigations- may I speak with the Chief?"
"Hold on, let me transfer ya cawl." There was a faint buzz in the background before a hoarse voice came through the phone.
"Hello?"
"Yes, um, hi Chief. This is Meryl, Meryl Stryfe."
"Right... Mrs. Vash. Good to talk to you," Chief said harshly. "I called earlier to remind you of your decision you had to make."
"Yes, well, I've decided."
"What is the path you've chosen?"
"I'm asking you a favor... can I please, please just quit Bernardelli and be with Vash? You have no idea what he means to me..." Meryl's voice cracked.
"Oh, but Meryl, isn't it horrible to be around him? I was just skimming through your last reports, and it seems that you disliked Vash very much in the beginning."
"Yes, but that was before I realized I care about him! Please, please, Chief!"
There was silence at the other end. In the background, Meryl heard a quick whisper of, "Don't talk! She'll hear you!"
"What was that, Chief?" Meryl asked.
"What was what? I didn't- hey! Ow! Don't! AH!"
"Chief? Is something wrong?"
"Nothing I-" Chief's voice was cut off, and a sexy, young male one came through.
"Chief and I are having a little fun, Ms. Stryfe..."
"Who is this?"
"I'm Chief's master-" Chief managed to get the phone back from whoever was just speaking on it.
"Chief- that wasn't your wife. In fact- that was a man!"
"Actually- that was my wife, Meryl. She got a-" he stopped.
"A what?"
"A sex change. But I haven't told anyone, so-"
"AHA!" Meryl yelled. "I know Chief. If you let me remain with Vash and quit Bernardelli- I won't tell anyone your little secret."
Chief sighed. "Fine."
"Yes!"
"Meryl- take care of yourself. You were a decent employee, and we'll miss you. Oh yes- and what about Ms. Thompson?"
"Oh? Milly? Um, she wants to quit on her own, thank you."
"All right. Have a great life, Mrs. Vash the Stampede."
The phone clicked off. Meryl was beginning to have a lot more confidence in herself.
-One Month Later-
Meryl lay across from Vash on the bed- in deep thought about the night before. She had had the most amazing night of her life- not that she was going to ever share any of it. It was moments like those that remained in the bedroom.
Vash rolled over onto his side and stared at Meryl. "Good morning."
"G'morning."
"You enjoy yourself?"
"Yes, very much," Meryl purred.
"Well then you're going to enjoy tonight even more."
"Really?"
Vash grasped Meryl's hand. "You and I are going to the fanciest place on Gunsmoke- the Stardusk Hotel."
"Oh, Vash! That's one of the most expensive places on planet!"
"Yes, and there we will eat dinner, have some champagne, and stay the night in the lovers' suite."
Meryl gasped. "But... that must cost a fortune!"
"Not when you have a brother who works for his family."
"You mean, Knives did this?"
Vash nodded.
"Oh! Oh my gosh, I should pack!"
Vash shook his head. "Nope. Already done. Bags are in the hotel."
Meryl watched Vash in amazement. "Knives told me he was going to make it up to me for being so cruel. So- he got a job and saved up some cash that he gave me to do whatever I wished with."
"And you're spending it on me?"
"Yep."
Meryl hugged Vash, kissing him all the way down his neck.
Vash knew that the night ahead of him was sure to be the best of his life.
AN- Please review! Please, as we all like feedback!
